Page 63 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1926

Wednesday [30th June]

The Triad departed, also the mail boat with Geake on board, & we began packing up for our move to the Fort. I am
sorry Geake has gone, though bad at his job, & very obstinate, he was the only man here except Daly, of the proper
sort. We shall miss him. A nasty thing happened in the morning. M was at the house & most of the servants out, a
match or something set fire to the clothes basket in the bedroom & she suddenly found everything in flames. She
called the boys but got no answer & then ran all the way to the Agency to get help, in the hottest part of the day. The
Guard, police, & all Daly's staff came rushing over, the fire was put out & didnt do a great deal of harm, fortunately,
but when I got back, sent for by Daly, I found M very upset. It was a nasty shock & very frightening. Went out for a
drive in the car after tea.

Thursday [1st July]

Busy moving all day. Dropped M at the Fort & called for her on the way back. The Municipal lorry moved up our
belongings, & by the evening we had all the stuff up here ready & fixed. Drove round with Holmes after tea to see the
suggested sites for the new wells to be sunk in Manama, then out to the Palace which is coming on splendidly & looks
very handsome - cut stone pillars & solid stone walls, most dignified, but rather too European. Dined with Daly but
didnt stay late as we had a long day of it. Nobody else there. It is certainly nice having a car to go about in.